They urge Cubans to plant their beans from the basic basket. In many places only 10 ounces of grain have been delivered and no other food

So far this year, only two municipalities in Las Tunas, the provincial capital and Jobabo, have received beans as part of the regulated family basket.

This adds to the difficult situation of generalized shortages that affects all of Cuba, and that is more acute in the eastern region of the country, when compared to the west, or Havana in particular. In the midst of tensions to ensure the basic basket, local authorities are looking for a long-term solution. They now appeal to Cubans themselves to produce the beans they need to cover the monthly quota of the supply book.

This is what happened in Las Tunas, according to Periódico 26, in that eastern Cuban province, where the distribution of grain is critical.

«The projections are based on a complex reality, exposed by Governor Jaime Ernesto Chiang Vega. So far, so far this year, beans have only been sold in the municipalities of Las Tunas and Jobabo, and it has not been every month,” the weekly says.

Cubans receive 10 ounces of beans for the month, as part of the regulated basic basket. However, it is one of the foods that present the greatest irregularities.

However, as part of the current distribution of the basic basket quota in many territories, only the corresponding ounces of beans and no food have been delivered. A situation that equally outrages consumers, in need of rice, sugar, coffee and many other insufficient but essential foods.

Local production as an alternative

Faced with this situation, government authorities have decided to promote local bean production. Omar Yoel Pérez López, director of the Las Tunas Agroindustrial Grain Company, explained in a meeting with leaders of the agricultural sector the strategy that is already underway.

The plan is to call on farmers and engage them in this challenge: “The first thing is to identify potential producers, talk to them and commit them to what is a need and a moral dutyconsidering the high prices of beans in the international market and the economic crisis that Cuba is going through.

To guarantee 10 ounces of beans to the 528 thousand people that make up the population of Las Tunas, it is estimated that the province needs to produce around 1,800 tons of beans per year.

Key factors for success

The authorities emphasize that, although the challenge is significant, there are elements in favor. Pérez López mentioned that the province has more than 800 irrigation systems, most of which are in good technical condition and cover approximately 1,735 hectares of land. If these systems are used properly, and yields of between 1.1 and 1.2 tons per hectare are obtained, production would be sufficient not only to satisfy local demand, but also to guarantee seeds for future crops.

Likewise, Las Tunas has a grain processing plant, although it currently only operates at 30% of its capacity due to a lack of raw materials. However, the success of the plan depends largely on farmers, who must care for the crops, nourish the plants and combat pests such as the black bean bug (Brachyplatys subaeneus), recently detected in other areas of eastern Cuba.